Circulo de Bellas Artes
Circulo de Bellas Artes
4
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
Not only the best views of Madrid, but one of the homes of European culture. Born in 1880 the Fine Arts Circle took its current location in the center of Madrid in 1926. Since then, this non profit private entity has grown as one of the most important cultural centres in Europe thanks to its prolific schedule full of exhibitions, conferences, congresses, theater plays, music concerts, cinema projections... as well as its offer in academic trainings such as the school of arts, the workshops and SUR Escuela, one of the most impresive and innovative academic masters all over European Union. However, it is also one of the most visited buildings in Madrid due to its stunning panoramic view over its rooftop, in which you can enjoy the old town of Madrid as well as the hidden treasure in the horizon: the mountains in the north of the region. No matter what you are looking for, we have a plan for you every day of the year. Take a look on our website and visit us!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Paseo del Prado
The area around the elegant Paseo del Prado boulevard is much-visited by both locals and tourists. The world-famous Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums form a triangle of art and culture that spans this grand and beautiful avenue. On weekdays, the Prado Museum opens its doors for free after-work hours, drawing a diverse and excited queue of art lovers that wraps around the block. Palacio de Cibeles and Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural centers are other artsy hangouts to check out, with rooftop bars that provide impressive views of the city. While the Paseo del Prado and its roundabouts form a busy throughway in Madrid, a broad green pedestrian park in the middle is a calm and gorgeous place for a relaxing stroll. Just east of the museums, the Retiro Park is always a confluence of activity as families and friends of all ages take to the pretty paths and lawns to stretch their legs or to have a picnic.
How to get there
- Banco de España • 2 min walk
- Sevilla • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,845 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,194 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Ogi0Sofia, Bulgaria20,926 contributionsBanksyI see that the roof bar is mostly commented on here, but this is above all a collection of several exhibition halls. We visited it during Banksy's exhibition, which, although expensive, was very interesting. We also went up to the roof, where there is a great view of the beauties of Madrid, the price was 2 euros.Visited May 2021Written May 11, 2021
- 46oceangirlWestford, Massachusetts1,688 contributionsBreathtaking View!We paid $5Euros to go up to the roof, worth every penny. The weather was beautiful, hot sunny and we found a high top and sat there for an hour having a cocktail. The view is amazing. Good way to kill and hour or so while in Madrid.Visited April 2023Written May 11, 2023
- Eamonn MAthenry, Ireland19 contributionsStunning Sunset ViewsA stunning location to view the city of Madrid and catch the sunset over the city while enjoying a drink to wind the day down. We liked this place so much that we visited on three different occasions during our trip to Madrid. The Patatas bravas are very tasty.Visited November 2022Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,292 reviews
Excellent
537
Very good
432
Average
146
Poor
65
Terrible
112
Nanni_Banani
Bali, Indonesia20 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We waited in the queue for 30 minutes, payed for tickets to the rooftop terrace only to find out that if you don’t have a table you can’t order a drink. (Disclaimer - nobody informed us before we payed and got up there). There was no order in getting the table, people were pushing each others to sit. We called earlier to book a table BUT they don’t accept reservations unless if it’s for dinner. The view is perfect however not worth the 5 euros per person that we payed. (It was supeeer crowded so no good pictures could be taken). We were not allowed to join another couple at the table to be able to order drinks. Horrible experience. They should limit the number of people that are allowed to go up or change this stupid rule of getting a drink only with the table.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
murray_towers
Reading, UK334 contributions
Jul 2020
€5 each entry.
€12 per cocktail- very poor quality, mostly ice with maybe a tiny splash of alcohol.
Daughter’s birthday was not acknowledged.
Waiter gave us the bill virtually straight after grumpily presenting the drinks.
Bill had a charge for a further €10 drink which we had not ordered or received. Waiter told us he could only take the non existent drink off the bill if he spoke to his manager.
Manager unsympathetically altered the bill.
The tortilla chips with guacamole were straight from a packet with no frills.
Over priced style over substance.
€12 per cocktail- very poor quality, mostly ice with maybe a tiny splash of alcohol.
Daughter’s birthday was not acknowledged.
Waiter gave us the bill virtually straight after grumpily presenting the drinks.
Bill had a charge for a further €10 drink which we had not ordered or received. Waiter told us he could only take the non existent drink off the bill if he spoke to his manager.
Manager unsympathetically altered the bill.
The tortilla chips with guacamole were straight from a packet with no frills.
Over priced style over substance.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica ❤️
Madrid, Spain122 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
We come here often, always crossing fingers that they treat us at least not bad. Know the staff is awful, you will feel horrible but if you can just try to enjoy the view it’s fine. Hope this changed because the place is amazing.
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland30,625 contributions
Dec 2022
The Circulo de Bellas Artes was founded in 1880 by a small group of artists. This building for the headquarters of the Circulo was completed in 1926 by the architect Antonio Palacios who is known for such emblematic buildings as the Palacio de Cibeles, the Bank of Spain, and the Palacio de Maudes.
The rooftop of the Circulo de Bellas Artes has spectacular views of Madrid, with some buildings of Gran Via like the Metropolis being very close. You can find a bar and restaurant here. For the lift, you have to buy a ticket.
We were a little bit confused because the ticket says that it is a combi ticket for the lift and the exhibition but we couldn't get into the exhibition with this ticket. However, the ticket was just 5 euros. For us, the views covered that price.
The rooftop of the Circulo de Bellas Artes has spectacular views of Madrid, with some buildings of Gran Via like the Metropolis being very close. You can find a bar and restaurant here. For the lift, you have to buy a ticket.
We were a little bit confused because the ticket says that it is a combi ticket for the lift and the exhibition but we couldn't get into the exhibition with this ticket. However, the ticket was just 5 euros. For us, the views covered that price.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GetThePapers
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Fantastic view. Enjoyed a beer from up high with view across Madrid. Staff were a bit curt when we initially arrived not realising you needed to purchase tickets for €5 / person from the machine in the lobby. Whilst the views were amazing this is a bit of a tourist trap. The staff were a bit rude generally and I wouldn’t bother to visit again or recommend it to others. Sadly not worth the entry fee.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OffDutyTherapist2020
12 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Horrible horrible service. 3 different waiters ignored me and walked right past to tables who sat way after me. The view is great. Pay the €8 euro just for that and do not buy the overpriced drinks.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reagan P
Fleming Island, FL3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Such an amazing view of the city of Madrid! Really nice areas for sitting, lounging, staying cool, and enjoying a drink. We didn’t get any food and the drinks weren’t the best ever but the “vibes” and the views made it VERY much worth the $5 entry fee. We went at 3pm on a Monday and it was no wait at all and plenty of open tables. Highly recommend for Madrid visitors! Wouldn’t miss it.
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miguel L
Caracas, Venezuela251 contributions
Sep 2022
In spite of the long queue we decided to go in as it was moving reasonably fast. Great view of the city, managed to get a good table and had some drinks. Service must improve....Most of the tables close with the best view were "reserved" however we stayed there for a bit more than an hour and nobody got the tables...
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schemie2016
Hong Kong, China310 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We sat at the street level cafe area as there was a line for upstairs . The waitress wanted us to sit right at the back but there were plenty tables at the front so we sat there . She then came over and ‘ didn’t you listen to me - you can’t have 4 people at 2 tables for 2’ then stormed off not taking our order . We ended up having a well made drink there . We speak some Spanish, always say please snd Thank you and dont expect fluent English when abroad . We do expect basic courtesy and manners however.
A real shame as we love Madrid and really enjoyed our days there . We don’t need over the top friendliness - but be more polite please . Judging by general reviews this isn’t an isolated experience.
A real shame as we love Madrid and really enjoyed our days there . We don’t need over the top friendliness - but be more polite please . Judging by general reviews this isn’t an isolated experience.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary W
Richmond, Australia866 contributions
Jul 2023
Went to have a drink and lunch at this rooftop bar expecting to pay a little extra , but wasn't expecting an admission fee of 5 euro each. We went up, admired the view and sat down on some lounge chairs. It wasn't busy but no one served us so we went to the bar to order only to be advised it was table service only. We were eventually served. My wife took her shoes off to avoid getting dirt on the lounge chair. She was asked to put them back on as she was not at "a swimming pool". We decided to go elsewhere
for lunch where customers are welcome.
for lunch where customers are welcome.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo H
Huesca, Spain16 contributions
Se puede reservar para subir a la azotea?
Gabriela A
Buenos Aires, Argentina175 contributions
No lo sé, nosotros fuimos directamente y compramos los boletos en la puerta. No esperamos mucho y subimos a la terraza.
Scottie M
1 contribution
Can you wear thongs at the rooftop bar ?
GeraldineD2
Cork, Ireland74 contributions
If you mean footwear, it's probably ok. (In Ireland thongs are underwear...!) It's a very cool vibe and madrileños are quite chic so maybe dress up a bit for it. Sometimes it's worth it!
Marina B
Lleida, Spain2 contributions
Se tiene que reservar para tomar algo también o solo para comer? En caso que se tuviese que reservar, podríamos ir a tomar algo a las 13:30 igualmente?
Sol Zwina
20 contributions
Para el restaurant si mejor reservar al parecer el servicio es continuo. Y si quieres hasta lo mas alto del edificio alla puedes tomar algo sin reservar solo pagas por subir y tienes una magnifica de Madrid.
Is that necessary to book in advance for the rooftop ( brunch time or drinks around 6pm)?
Sol Zwina
20 contributions
Not it's necessary. 😉
Federico L
Santorini, Greece
Ci sono tavoli disponibili?
Jennyzava
Verona, Italy306 contributions
Si i tavoli ci sono ma c’è anche moltissima gente, quindi è difficile trovarli liberi, devi avere fortuna! Noi siamo rimasti in piedi
Míguel Enriquez
Madrid, Spain86 contributions
Si vas a cenar también hay que pagar pot subir? Gracias
Aura FC
Madrid, Spain1,655 contributions
Pues solo te se decir Miguel, que a partir de una hora determinada no se paga, no se si eran las 21.00 en invierno y las 22.00 en verano, pero seguramente si tienes reserva puedas ir sin pagar arriba, abajo podrán comprobarlo, ya que se comunican con ellos.
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Claim your listingCirculo de Bellas Artes - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Circulo de Bellas Artes
- Circulo de Bellas Artes is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- We recommend booking Circulo de Bellas Artes tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Circulo de Bellas Artes tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Circulo de Bellas Artes:
- Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC (From $43.55)
- Madrid Mysteries and Legends Tour (From $16.67)
- Madrid City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off (From $27.29)
- Madrid Puerta del Sol Walking Tour to Retiro Park (From $15.27)
- Tapas in Gran Vía (From $92.77)
- Hotels near Circulo de Bellas Artes:
- (0.07 mi) The Principal Madrid
- (0.04 mi) NH Collection Madrid Suecia
- (0.07 mi) Slow Suites Bellas Artes
- (0.11 mi) Soho Boutique Congreso
- (0.12 mi) Vincci Centrum
- Restaurants near Circulo de Bellas Artes:
- (0.00 mi) Azotea del Circulo
- (0.01 mi) La Pecera del Circulo
- (0.02 mi) Casa Corona
- (0.02 mi) Bocanegra Madrid
- (0.03 mi) Fabula
- Attractions near Circulo de Bellas Artes:
- (0.01 mi) Van Gogh Alive - The experience
- (0.01 mi) Bellas Artes Cinema
- (0.02 mi) Madrid Discovery
- (0.02 mi) Edificio La Unión Y El Fénix Español
- (0.02 mi) Edificio Metrópolis
Circulo de Bellas Artes Information
Excellent Reviews | 537 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 432 |
Circulo de Bellas Artes Photos | 1,006 |